Re: thanks

[Marshall Fletcher <marshall@fletch.roc.servtech.com>]

Duff, Ian wrote:
> 
> One choice would be a more a la carte menu, so I could choose to attend
> for one day only, or to attend or not the vehicle dynamics part. The
> dinner and official hotel are both great ideas, since one of the reasons
> I would attend is to immerse myself in quattro-dom including talking
> with other similarly twisted folks.
> 
> Another option would be to do some sort of volume discount (spread the
> fixed costs across more attendees), either everyone benefits (more
> signups=lower fees) or groups benefit (group signup=lower cost for each
> member of that group). I would favor the former. Maybe it could be
> implemented with a fixed deposit to determine the total number planning
> to attend, and a variable final payment depending on total signed up
> attendance.
> 
> Ian Duff, New Bedford, MA
> 1990 Coupe Quattro
> 

Ian

Thanks for responding.  I think the Ala carte idea may have merit.  I will 
recommend that it be looked into next year by whoever does this event (I am 
retiring).  There a numerous problems to be factored in though.  At the Glen, 
we (the Club) have to reserve time almost 1 year in advence.  If we book 2 
days, we must pay for 2 days.  If we book 2, and numerous students opt for 
one day only, the cost for rental remains the same.  If we could be 
GUARANTEED attendance, then it would be easier to schedule this out.  It is 
difficult to reserve a track in October of the prev. year, when you are not 
sure of the draw for an event in July.  I will bring it up though.

As for vehicle dynamics & exercises, I see no need for students who have been 
through it a few times to do these, although it is encouraged.  The newbies 
though are required to at least have some idea of the limits of their 
vehicle.  As event master, I feel (and I think you would agree)that it would 
be irresponsible to allow people on a high speed race course without a clue. 
In fact, the Watkins Glen officials require this for novices.  There a lot 
more than just student's concerns involved.  The insurer, the Track, and the 
club all have rules, and not all of them mesh.

The idea of a sliding fee based on the # of attendees, is also a good idea.  
Unfortunately, the Audi attendance is just not there.  Although last years 
event had 80 paid students, only 45 were from the Qclub.  Tho other's were 
from the BMW club.  We had a deal with them.  They would guarantee  a full 
house, in exchange for half the profits.  If I had held this as a Qclub only 
event, there wouldn't have been enough students to break even.  Hopefully, 
the word is out this year, and we can draw 80 Audi-ites.  In reality, I only 
expect to have 50 or so though.  Keep in mind too, that more students = less 
track time.  The BMW club events at the Glen this year, are $245 for 2 days, 
but there are over 120 students.  If you have ever been to a very crowded 
event, they are difficult to manage, and track time & quality decrease.

Now about my event.  I have arrainged with a place called the Seneca Lodge in 
WG to be the HQ.  We will do tech & reg on Sun PM there.  I have a volunteer 
that is organizing a dinner at the Glen Club facility at the track.  At this 
point, it is pay your own way, but I am hoping that Audi America will cough 
up some bucks to either pay or subsidize this.  I have also arrainged to have 
a genuine Audi Dealer with 2 mechanics on hand.  They will tech the cars & 
will provide service at the track .  I have been to enough events at the glen 
to hopefully combine the best aspects of all the other clubs schools.  We 
decided to hold students to 80 .  This gives me 4 student run groups of 20 
cars.  Very desireable.  If I have enough instructors, I will attempt to do 3 
groups.  This will give one more session/ day for everyone, and 25 to 30 
cars / group isn't bad on a 3.4 mile track.  There will be classroom 
instruction and hopefully an Audi rep to conduct a tech Q & A.   All in all I 
plan to keep most people busy.  I don't remember you being at the WG event 
last year.  Were you there, have you attended any Qclub events before? 

Hope this answers some of your ????'s.

Thanks again for the input.

Fletch